Apple's Shocking Comeback: How They're About to Dethrone Samsung After 14 Years - Don't Miss This!

In a notable shift in the global smartphone landscape, Apple is set to increase its smartphone shipments by an impressive 10% this year, capturing a 19.4% share of the global market, according to forecasts from Counterpoint Research as reported by Bloomberg. This growth positions Apple ahead of its chief competitor, Samsung, which is expected to see a more modest 4.6% increase in shipments.

While Apple has consistently led in terms of revenue, it has not surpassed Samsung in overall shipments for more than a decade, as highlighted by the Korean JoongAng Daily. The latest analysis from Counterpoint indicates that Apple's positive outlook can be largely attributed to the successful launch of the iPhone 17 series in September, which received a warm reception in key markets such as the U.S. and China.

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, easing tensions between the U.S. and China, along with a weakening U.S. dollar, have created a more favorable environment for Apple's sales in emerging markets. Yang Wang, a Counterpoint analyst, notes that the smartphone market is at a pivotal juncture in the replacement cycle. Many consumers who purchased devices during the pandemic are now ready for an upgrade. Wang also points out that approximately 358 million secondhand iPhones sold from now until the second quarter of 2025 represent a significant pool of potential customers poised to switch to newer models in the coming years.

Looking forward, Counterpoint anticipates that Apple will maintain its leadership position through 2029, bolstered by anticipated additions to its product lineup, including a foldable iPhone and a more budget-friendly iPhone 17e expected in 2026.

As of the third quarter of this year, Samsung still holds the lead with a 19% share of the global smartphone market, as per Counterpoint's quarterly report. Samsung's shipments rose by 6.6% year-on-year, driven by strong demand for its flagship Z and S series devices across various regions.

In contrast, Apple experienced a 9% increase in global shipments, resulting in an 18% market share and the fastest growth rate among the top five smartphone brands. The company saw notably strong growth in markets such as India, Japan, Western Europe, and Southeast Asia. Rounding out the top five smartphone manufacturers are Xiaomi, vivo, and OPPO, with market shares of 14%, 9%, and 8%, respectively.

This shift in market dynamics underscores the evolving landscape of the smartphone industry, where consumer trends, economic factors, and product innovations play critical roles. As Apple gears up for a potentially transformative year, industry observers will be watching closely to see how these trends unfold.